The Gallows Murders

did it myself,' Spurge declared proudly. The ones Sir Edward gave me when I took up office here were highly inaccurate.'
    'Not very good at all,' the Constable agreed. He pointed to the small postern-doors indicated on the map. These, for example, were not on it.'
    'Nor this.' Vetch pointed to a dotted line drawn through where I knew the royal menagerie stood. This runs under the royal menagerie; part of it is now used as a wolf-pit.' I glanced quickly at Benjamin but held my peace.
    'It's part of the old Roman sewer system,' Spurge explained.
    'And, before you ask,' Vetch added, 'early this morning I had the wolves confined. Spurge and I went down there. There are two tunnels: both are bricked off. Not even a mouse could get through.'
    'So, you are sure that there are no secret entrances in or out of the Tower?' Benjamin asked.
    ‘None whatsoever,' Spurge declared. Td put my life on that.'
    ‘I pointed to the small postern-gates, some overlooking the moat, others the river. 'And this morning all these were guarded?’
    They still are,' Kemble replied proudly. 'I, for one, wish to be above suspicion, Master Daunbey. Don't forget, even if someone could leave or enter the Tower secretly, such comings and goings would eventually be noticed.'
    Benjamin tapped the map with his hand. 'May we borrow this?' ‘I’d prefer it if you didn't,' Spurge replied. 'In a way, it's as costly as any portrait or tapestry' 'I won't leave the Tower,' Benjamin promised. Spurge reluctantly agreed.
    ‘Do you wish me to accompany you around the Tower?' Kemble offered.
    ‘No, Sir Edward, I don't. However, I would be grateful for quarters, a chamber for myself and Shallot.'
    Kemble smiled. The most spacious two are in the Wakefield Tower. ‘I’ll have them prepared. Master Daunbey,' he continued, 'can I ask your advice?' 'Of course.'
    'If I keep the Tower locked and barred much longer,' Kemble declared, 'people will begin to chatter and the gossip might spread.' Then you had best open it,' Benjamin answered.
    And, taking our leave, we left the royal quarters. Once we were out on the green, well away from any window or door, Benjamin stopped and beat the rolled-up map against his leg.
    There must be two villains,' he said. 'One stole the gold in the city and the other killed Horehound. But why kill a drunken hangman?' He continued hoarsely.
    I stared at a raven hopping towards me, its cruel yellow beak held out like a lance. I stamped my boot and shooed the bird away. (God forgive me, I can't stand ravens: they are birds of ill-omen. Ah, my little chaplain asks me why? It's the way the bastards look at me with their beady little eyes: as if they are truly disappointed that my head is still on its shoulders and not hanging on some pole where they can peck it to their hearts' delight).
    What have we established?' Benjamin asked impatiently.
    Well, we know there are two people, partners in villainy,' I replied. 'One is here in the Tower. He sent the first letter and tried to kill me by throwing me into the wolf-pit. However, on the latter occasion, Kemble and his officers were not involved. When I was screaming for my life in the wolf-pit, you were with them. The same is true when Horehound's murder happened. All three were with us. So, Master, it must be Mallow or one of his hangmen.'
    I stopped as the people I was talking about came out of the Beauchamp Tower bearing Horehound's corpse, neatly wrapped and hidden by a canvas sheet which was lashed by cords at top and bottom. They took it over to a cart. Mallow climbed into the seat, cracked his whip and, with his three apprentices walking beside, made his way down to the Lion Gate.
    Wormwood stopped, shading his eyes against the sun, and called out to us, We are going to bury him in the cemetery of the Crutched Friars. Say a prayer for the poor bugger,' he added.
    Benjamin and I nodded and watched the miserable procession continue.
    ‘I am sure of it,' I whispered. 'One of them is the killer, but God knows who their accomplice is!'
    'Mistress Undershaft!' Benjamin replied. We must speak to her again about her mysterious legacy. First, let's study Spurge's map.'
    We walked round the Tower. As we did so, I became more heavy-hearted. Kemble was true to his word. Men-at-arms and archers guarded every entrance, water-gate and postern-door marked on the map.
    ‘You couldn't smuggle a rat in here,' I grumbled. 'Do you believe the underground tunnel is sealed off?'
    'Of course,' Benjamin replied.